Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid transformation. By 2030, 70% of ASEAN’s 670+ million people are expected to reach middle-class income levels. Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, has set its sights on becoming an advanced economy by 2045.
To realize this vision, the Indonesian government has launched Asta Cita—eight national missions focused on building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future. These priorities include:
In response to these regional shifts and opportunities, the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center proudly presents Happy Digital X: Cities, Systems, Products, and Services, a 12-week professional education program built to shape the next generation of transformative leaders. The program combines virtual and in-person challenge-based learning with global instructors from world-renowned academic institutions.
This forward-thinking program equips participants with the tools to design and implement sustainable, ICT-enabled, and happiness-driven solutions across diverse sectors. Happy Digital X embraces systems thinking and emphasizes data as an asset, while integrating the importance of happiness and sustainability in cities throughout the program.
Whether you're in government, business, or civil society, Happy Digital X empowers you to lead meaningful change in Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving landscape.
Cities are the engines of the global economy—home to more than half of the world’s population and hubs of innovation, culture, and growth. They are where life unfolds: where we live, work, move, and connect. But with rapid urbanization comes increasingly complex challenges—from climate change and infrastructure strain to inequality and mobility. These are not problems with simple fixes.
Indonesia, with its nearly 300 million people and vital natural ecosystems, stands at a critical intersection of urban growth and global climate resilience. What happens in its cities will shape not just its future, but the world’s.
We envision AI as a powerful force to help cities tackle these challenges—by enabling smarter systems, predicting needs before they arise, and supporting better decision-making. But technology alone isn’t enough. Real change demands systems thinking, inclusive collaboration, and a new generation equipped with critical thinking, digital skills, and a commitment to sustainable development.
What
is the 
in HDX?
The X of cities is the urban fabric itself: the plans and policies that guide a city's development; the systems that provide infrastructure and public services, particularly linked to ICT, and the products and services used by inhabitants. This is the fabric that collectively brings happiness to urban residents – the Happy Digital X.
Cities
The global economy is an economy of cities. More than half the world’s population live in cities, and more than half of all economic activity happens there.
Systems
Cities are embodiments of a complex adaptive system, influenced not only by their built environment but also by their ecological, social, and cultural contexts.
Products
Sustainable and happy cities need innovative products, developed with an understanding of stakeholder needs and supported by new business models.
Services
As an extension of products, the services of our cities, both public and private, need to be sustainable and consider stakeholder happiness.
New in HDX 3.0
Following the success of HDX 1.0 and 2.0, HDX 3.0 introduces new challenge projects designed to tackle real-world urban and digital transformation challenges. With a strong focus on AI skill development, participants will gain hands-on experience in applying AI for smart cities, data security, and sustainable innovation. The program also features an expanded lineup of world-class instructors and industry leaders from MIT, Tsinghua University, Harvard University, KTH Sweden, and other leading institutions, offering unparalleled insights into AI-driven solutions for the future.
HDX in Numbers
COHORTS
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
INDONESIAN PROVINCES REPRESENTED
ENROLLED PARTICIPANTS
INSTRUCTORS
INSTITUTIONS
COUNTRIES
HDX Fellows Composition
by Sectors
HDX Notable Fellows
